Advisedly, to Form Four Leavers with the penchant for becoming teachers in Junior or Senior Schools. They can apply for degree programmes offered in various public and private universities. Withal, from April 7, 2026, to May 6, 2026, on-going application for courses on the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) portal; there is the option for Diploma in Secondary Teacher Education (DSTE) or Diploma in Education (secondary option), which is offered in some specific Teacher-Training Colleges (TTCs) in Kenya.
Ostensibly, there are merits of preferring the DSTE programme in TTCs, which include: Swift entry into the teaching profession, lower fee payment as compared to university admissions, practical and pragmatic teaching skills and easier upgrade to a degree after some time.
Actually, DSTE prepare teachers to dispense knowledge in Junior and Senior Schools under the Competency-Based Education (CBE). The common programmes in TTCs for Secondary Education include: Diploma in Education (Arts), Diploma in Education (Science), Diploma in Special Needs Education (secondary option).
Consequently, qualifications for joining TTCs for DSTE include: KCSE mean grade of C+ (plus), with at least a C+ (plus) in the teaching subjects (combinations). The applicant should have at least C (plain) in English or Kiswahili. Withal, at least a C (plain) in Mathematics for Science-based teaching combinations such as Biology/Chemistry or Physics/Chemistry, et cetera. By the same token, the applicant should have at least D+ (plus) in Mathematics for art-based combinations such as English/Literature, History/Geography, et cetera.
Actually, some of the TTCs offering DSTE include: Kagumo TTC in Nyeri County, Kibabii TTC in Bungoma County, Lugari TTC in Kakamega County, Kaimosi TTC in Vihiga County, Egoji TTC in Meru County, Bondo and Ugenya TTCs in Siaya County. Likewise, some of the public universities offering the same Diploma in Secondary Teacher Education alongside degree programmes include: Kenyatta University (KU), Moi University and Egerton University.
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Furthermore, the DSTE spans for 3 years. The duration captures: Coursework, micro-teaching, teaching practice and examinations. Upon completion of the study, to be employed by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), the following documents are needed: Original academic certificates, completed teacher-training certificate, meeting TSC subject requirements (professional requirements), national identification or passport, Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) pin certificate and certificate of good conduct.
Finally, on job openings and opportunities, the graduate can work as: a teacher in a Junior or Senior School, a special needs teacher, a private school teacher, a tutor in college, a curriculum developer and an education administrator.
By Victor Ochieng’
Victor Ochieng’ is a career educator. He guides students in making informed career choices. vochieng.90@gmail.com. 0704420232
Victor Ochieng’, a career educator who guides students on making informed career choices, unpacks the Diploma in Secondary Teacher Education (DSTE) offered in specific Teacher Training Colleges across Kenya.
